The destiny of the West: Ian Morris at Swiss Economic Forum

At the Swiss Economic Forum 2023, historian and archeologist Ian Morris from the Stanford University highlights the decisive role of geography in shaping world history and the rise of great powers. He explains how geographical factors have consistently influenced the dominance of civilizations, from ancient empires to modern global powers. Morris connects these patterns to today’s shifting world order, exploring the West's struggle to redefine its role amid emerging conflicts. Drawing parallels between 1914 and the 2020s, he warns that wars often erupt where experts least expect them—on the fringes of declining empires. The Swiss Economic Forum is the leading economy conference in Switzerland and organized by NZZ Connect. NZZ Connect is a branch of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung and organizes leading business conferences throughout Switzerland, such as the Swiss Economic Forum, the Real Estate Days, and Open-i. Every year, we connect thousands of representatives from business, science, and politics, setting new standards for sustainable entrepreneurship. Our platforms offer inspiration, guidance, and foster dialogue on current and forward-looking topics. More information on www.connect.nzz.ch © NZZ Connect